The 21-year-old with the most English name ever has impressed over the last 12 months with his assured performances for Tottenham, but he announced himself to the rest of Europe on Tuesday night with a superb display.

Considering he was playing against the reigning European champions at the Bernabeu, up against one of the most successful midfield trios of recent years in the form of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, the youngster performed remarkably well.

Winks didn’t look overawed by the occasion and played the full 90 minutes, helping Spurs secure a memorable point against Zinedine Zidane’s revered side in the process.

The England international, who earned his first cap against Lithuania earlier this month, was hailed for his performance by football fans - not just Tottenham supporters, either - and pundits alike.

Lampard and Ferdinand hail Winks

Frank Lampard, speaking on BT Sport, said: “Looking at the first 15 minutes, I was worried for him because I felt he was playing on his own in there and he did to an extent, but his passing was fantastic, he wanted the ball all over the place and his defensive positions - which can sometimes be overlooked - he always seems to be in good positions considering he has so much ground to cover.

“It’s very, very impressive and exciting for us as Englishmen to have an English midfielder [like Winks].”

Lampard’s colleague, Rio Ferdinand, was also hugely impressed with what he’d just witnessed.

“A lot of the time in England we talk about defensive midfielders being players who go in there and just defend,” the former Manchester United and England defender added.

“You see Harry Winks play in that position today. I like the defensive midfielder to get on the ball and play the ball into attacking players. Be defensively astute in positions but also be able to get the ball forwards.

“Michael Carrick is the prime example. Getting the ball, he will find players in better positions high up the pitch to hurt the opposition and Winks can do that.”

Jenas reacts to Winks' performance on Twitter

Jermaine Jenas, meanwhile, tweeted: “Great result & mature performance from @SpursOfficial, few huge moments from Hugo but @HarryWinks what a performance that was lad!👌🏾 #coys”

Video: Winks' individual highlights v Real Madrid

A video has now emerged of Winks’ individual highlights from the match and you can watch them here…

Winks' performance compared to Wilshere v Barcelona

How encouraging to see a young English midfielder play with that much composure in such a big game.

A journalist even compared his performance to Jack Wilshere’s against Barcelona during the early years of the Arsenal midfielder’s career.

And here’s how the rest of Twitter reacted to Winks’ performance…

Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: http://gms.to/writeforgms

Report author of article

DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

Want more content like this?

Like our GiveMeSport Facebook Page and you will get this directly to you.